The vacations are simply across the nook, and what which means — it’s time to get your flu vaccine!
You in all probability thought we had been going to say vacation events and presents, however that’s the factor concerning the flu. It will possibly germ its method into your festive spirit and spoil all of your plans with fever, headache, chills, physique aches and joint ache.
“The influenza virus is nasty,” stated Ilan Shapiro, M.D., senior vice chairman and chief well being correspondent and medical affairs officer for AltaMed Well being. “And what do I imply by nasty? In comparison with different viruses that trigger slightly runny nostril and cough, it’s one full week off of labor or college or something that we get pleasure from doing — it’s not a daily virus.”
The flu may even be life-threatening. Final 12 months, 28,000 individuals within the U.S. died from flu-related diseases and the speed of flu-associated hospitalizations was the best it’s been since 2010.
Learn: Is it Covid, RSV or the Flu? >>
Shapiro famous that final 12 months’s virus caught round for a very long time, so getting the vaccine as early as you may (ideally in October) will assist defend your self from severe sickness all through the flu season.
“If we wish to have an attractive Thanksgiving, if we wish to get pleasure from our Christmas dinner and we wish to sing together with household on New 12 months’s, there are alternatives right here to be sure that our immune system is prepared for that,” Shapiro stated.
The vaccine takes about two weeks on your immune system to construct up antibodies to guard in opposition to the virus.
Most individuals affiliate the flu vaccine with a shot within the arm, however there’s a nasal spray choice for individuals 2 to 49 years outdated. Observe: The nasal spray shouldn’t be really helpful for individuals with sure persistent illnesses or people who find themselves pregnant. After all, discuss to your healthcare supplier (HCP) in case you’re within the nasal spray flu vaccine.
Along with your well being, listed below are Shapiro’s high causes for getting the flu vaccine this 12 months:
- You wish to spend time along with your family members — not along with your mattress. On common, most individuals are sick with the virus for 5 days. However signs like coughing and fatigue could go on for weeks. And whereas slightly mattress rotting might be enjoyable, fever and FOMO should not.
- You need your loved ones to be properly — not sick at residence. Getting the flu vaccine and ensuring your loved ones will get the flu vaccine means larger safety in opposition to the virus, and fewer likelihood for severe flu-related problems. It additionally means you’re not at residence caring for sick individuals whereas everybody else is out decking the halls with out you.
- You don’t wish to miss work. The flu is not any tropical trip. And when you have the virus, or assume you’ve got the virus, the CDC recommends staying residence for a minimum of 5 days after signs begin — even in case you don’t have a fever.
Flu vaccine = higher well being
We all know life is busy and there by no means appears to be sufficient hours within the day to get all the pieces completed. However taking time to get the flu vaccine might help you and your family members keep as wholesome as attainable.
It’s good to notice that the vaccine is really helpful for everybody ages 6 months and older (with a number of uncommon exceptions). When you have considerations or are nonetheless on the fence about getting the flu vaccine, Shapiro stated to speak to your HCP. “It’s OK to have questions. It’s OK to have even concern, however for ladies, particularly as leaders of the household the place individuals rely upon you, it’s a fantastic alternative to be sure to have the right data to make your best option for you and your loved ones.”
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